The DeKalb Technical College Foundation, in partnership with the NFL Alumni held the "Investing in Dreams" Gala June 25 at the DeKalb Technical College Clarkston Campus conference center. Five community members were honored for their outstanding works of charity and contribution to the betterment of our society.

In addition, funds were raised to provide students with scholarships and to help fight Cystic Fibrosis. Approximately 150 patrons put on black tie to show support for the honorees and these two worthy causes.

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is pleased to announce that it has awarded scholarships to 50 deserving high school students in Georgia. Each scholar will receive $5,000 to assist in funding their college education. The students were selected for the Horatio Alger Georgia Scholarship because they persevered in overcoming adversity while also demonstrating excellence in academics, admirable character and community contributions. Local student receiving a scholarship is Tia R. Cofield, Newton High School.

Teachers can learn ways to add pizzazz to their classroom strategies in math, social studies, language arts and science using agriculture as a teaching tool through Georgia Farm Bureau's Ag In The Classroom Professional Learning Unit (PLU) course.

The newly formed R.L. Cousins Alumni Association has "come out the gate running." The association made its debut appearance on March 14 with a meet and greet at the former R.L. Cousins school cafeteria.

In a surprise move, the Newton County Board of Education changed their meeting agenda's Tuesday night to recognize Superintendent Dr. Steve Whatley at his last board meeting before retiring at the end of the month.

Grace Christian Academy faced off against 3,000 students from 230 schools around the world in the Accelerated International Student Convention, winning a plethora of awards for their efforts, including first place in academics.

Newton County School Superintendent Dr. Steve Whatley was surprised with a portrait to hang in the boardroom of the NCSS and a resolution recognizing all his hard work for the system at Tuesday night's board meeting.

S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G: Each year at PCS, the fourth-eighth grade classes compete in a Spelling Bee. Although the competition was tough, Daniel Lanclos came in first place for the third year in a row. Pictured left to right: Garrett Ferguson (seventh grade) - 3rd Place, Daniel Lanclos (eighth grade) - 1st Place, and Taylor Underwood (fourth grade) - 2nd Place.